Parks department cites tree‑trimming backlog, summer‑program access and carousel/event costs

Parks department staff told the finance committee on Sept. 30 that routine public‑tree trimming and stump removal are behind schedule because the city lacks sufficient skilled arborists and chipper capacity.

The department said it currently has two skilled tree trimmers and that hiring experienced arborists has been difficult because private sector pay and utility company contracts typically offer higher wages for the same skills. Parks managers said the city’s existing equipment (one chipper and one bucket truck that can pull a chipper) limits parallel work and that a larger, fully staffed tree crew with multiple chipper trucks would be required to carry out a comprehensive, multi‑year tree‑management program.

Staff told council members they prioritize hazardous and safety‑related tree work and responded to storm calls; routine trimming is performed when capacity allows. The department also noted a backlog of stump grinding after tree removals.

On programming, staff described a consolidation of summer programming into a single recreation hub that reduced the department’s need to provide full busing service. They said earlier bus use was constrained by liability concerns when the city would operate its own buses and that contracting external bus providers would be an option if the city chose to restore dedicated transportation to reach outlying neighborhoods. Parks said the rec‑center summer model worked well but acknowledged that transportation and registration timing still present barriers for some families.

Staff also discussed special‑event and holiday costs. The department’s promotions line includes rental costs for live horses used in holiday rides; staff said the providers are based out of Pennsylvania and have raised prices. The department also said the Ross Park carousel project is still being evaluated and that any expanded holiday offerings at Ross Park would require separate budget adjustments.

Parks staff requested continued modest increases in professional services and training for arborist certifications and said they will continue to press for equipment and seasonal hiring to sustain services.